Leah Hadick

Anyone who met Leah Hadick would agree that she was an amazing person like no other. Born with cerebral palsy, she faced limitations throughout her life, but it was so inspiring to see how she never let her disability get in the way of her abilities. Leah had a contagious zest for life and an infectious laughter that brought such joy to everyone she met. She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend who was a true blessing to everyone she met. Leah loved going to church and singing hymns, her life a vivid example of what love really looks like. Although she will be deeply missed, Leah’s family and friends find comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

From the moment she was born on July 1, 1981, it was easy to see that Leah inspired joy in everyone’s hearts. She was a bubbly social butterfly who loved meeting new people, and she loved cake and parties. In fact, she once wanted to give a horse a baby shower just so she could have cake! Leah was the sort of person who never met a stranger, and she even told Santa Claus, "I love you.” The holiday parties and festive events were a highlight for Leah every year. Spending time with family and friends was something she loved.

Throughout her life Leah was busy with all kinds of activities. For 20 years she went to camp every summer at Indian Trails. Leah went to school every week at Center for Disability Services (affiliated with WMU), passed out meals for Meals on Wheels, was part of the Young Adult Program (KRESA), and delivered mail at KVCC. She bowled in the Special Olympics and was also part of the Crescendo Community Choir. Leah loved being at church, and she was a firm believer in the philosophy of “shop ’til you drop.” She especially loved all the perfume samples at Victoria’s Secret. Leah enjoyed swim therapy, and after her trips to Mary Free Bed she liked stopping at the Beltline Bar for a taco and a strawberry daiquiri. It has been said that Leah was a horse whisperer of sorts as horses always calmed down with her presence or touch. Leah looked forward to feeding and petting the horses at “Aunt Luanne’s” home up North.

In countless ways, Leah’s ability to do the things she loved was so inspiring. Leah lived in her own apartment supported by Residential Opportunities Incorporated, received a certificate of completion with the Young Adult Program, attended the Night to Shine prom, and had the Center for Disability Services sell her art. Leah was always looking forward to a new adventure allowed by supported living. She loved listening to music, especially anything from the top 40 as well as Adele and Lady Gaga. Leah enjoyed watching game shows like the Price Is Right and Family Feud as well as animated movies like Disney movies. Her face would light up whenever she saw her parents, and she was very close to her guardian, Cindy.

Leah’s spirit moved freely through her ever-present smile, and she touched others in such a special way. Her brother, Tim had this to say, “I was blown away by how surrounded by love Leah was from family, friends, her support staff and complete strangers. The whole of last week, while impossibly heartbreaking at times, was themed with a truly selfless, undying compassion for Leah that I couldn’t see when I was younger. She inspired the best in everyone she met, and everyone she met gave that back to her in the end. Thank you for bringing us together in your love, Leah. Rest in Peace.”

All who knew Leah Hadick would agree that she was always giggling, always smiling, and always touching others. She never let her limitations define her, and her drive to live fully was visible in everything she did. Leah will be forever missed, but her family knows, as Leah would tell them, that Jesus will be pushing her in her wheelchair in Heaven.

Leah Hadick, of Kalamazoo, passed away on September 4, 2017. Visit with family and friends on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 11 at the Gracespring Bible Church (9731 M-89, Richland) at 11 a.m. Family will receive friends an hour prior and food and fellowship will be shared following the service in the church hall. Interment will take place at a later date in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery; San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Kalamazoo Foundation – Residential Opportunity Incorporated Endowment Fund. Please visit Leah’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook.